Knockdown table top and back splash construction



July 21, 1953 J. STANITZ 2,646,326

KNOCKDOWN TABLE TOP AND BACK SPLASH CONSTRUCTION. Filed Feb. 12, 1951 2 Sheets-Sheet i Jnventor Jacques Stanifig J ,@Q{ /QJ M Gttomegs KNOCKDOWN TABLE TOP AND BACK SPLASH CONSTRUCTION Filed Feb. 12, 1951 J. STANITZ July 21, 1953 2 Sheets-Sheet 2' Am. wm

Snventor Jacques Stanilg Cittornegs Patented July 21, 1953 UNITED STATES PATENT osFrlcs K NOCKDOWN TABLE TOP AND BACK SPLASH CONSTRUCTION Jacques Stanitz, Warren, Ohio, assignor' to Mullins Manufacturing Corporation, Salem, Ohio, a corporation of New York Application February 12, 1951', Serial No. 210,54?

'8 Claims. 7 (Cl. 31.1-106) 1 1 The invention relates generally to flat table tops with upright back splash members for kitchen cabinets, sinks and the like, such as shown in my prior U. S. Patents 2,439,027, dated April 6, 1948, and 2,492,541, dated December 27, 1949. More particularly, the invention relates to a novelknock-d0wn table top and back splash construction which can be easily cut to size and assembled in the field to suit a varietyof con- Y j .ditions.

The table top shown inPaten-t No. 2,439,027 requires a structural frame and is prefabricated to a predetermined size, so that it cannot'be changed in the field. The table top shown in 7 Patent No. 2,492,541 can bechan'ged in width in I 2 I front'marginal edge of a sheet of plastic mate rial forming the table top surface, a bac-k'spla sh trim member adapted for receiving the rear edge of said sheet either in the same horizontal plane as the sheet or atan elevated location above a cove, the side marginal edges of the plastic sheet being normally. supported on angles carried by end cap pieces which conform to and fit over the ends of the front and back trim members to complete the table top, said end caps having means for-attachment to a base cabinet supporting said the field to fit varying space requirements, but

splash which can be made with a rigid plastic sheet terminating at the base of a separate back This operation not only tends splash, or having an upturned flange formingthe major surface of a back splash.

A further object is to provide a novel knockdown table top and back splash which eliminates the need for a separate table top member supporting the plastic covering.-

A still'further object is'to provide anovel table atop and back splash which when out to size requires cutting only of the plastic covering and front and rear trim members.

These and other objects apparent to those skilled in the art may be obtained by the devices,

constructions, arrangements, and combinations comprising the present invention, the nature of which is set forth in the following general'stateassembled table top. By securing the assembled table top to the supporting cabinet the live components of thetop'ar'e antom'atically locked to form a rigid structure. I

Referring to the drawings forming part hereof, inwhich preferred embodiments of the improved knock-down table top and back splash construction are illustrated by way of example;

Figure 1 is an expanded perspective view of one 7 embodiment of the 'noveltabl'e top construction, showing the parts in position'to be assembled;

Fig. 2 is a fragmentary expanded perspective view of another embodiment of the invention; Fig. 3 is an enlarged cross sectional view the front nosing or; trim member used in both embodiments; r

Fig. 4 is an enlarged cross sectional View of the back splash trim member of the embodiment shown in Fig. 1;

Fig. 5 is an enlarged cross sectional view of the back splash trim member of the-embodiment shown in Fig. 2; j

Fig. 6 is an enlarged cross sectional view of the table top construction shown in Fig. 1 assembled in position upon a base cabinet;

Fig. 7 is a similar view of the embodiment shown in Fig. 2;

Fig. s is an enlarged fragmentary sectional view as on line 88, Fig. 6;

Fig. '9 is an enlarged fragmentary sectional view as on lines-9, Fig. 7; and

Fig. 10 is an enlarged fragmentary sectional view as on line lt,lt, Fig. '7. 7

Similar numerals refer to similar parts throughout the drawings. I

The embodiment of the improved tabletop shown in Fig. 1 is shown in Fig. 6 assembled and mounted on a conventional sheet metal base cabinet having a back wall 10 abut'tedagainst the room wall II, and having end walls is with top horizontal i'nturned flanges I3 extending along the ends of the cabinet. The cabihet'may have a sliding drawer indicated generally at M with a drawer head 15 abutting a drawer stop It in closed position. Fig. '7 shows the embodiment of Fig. 2 assembled and mounted on the same or a similar base cabinet.

Referring first to the embodiment of Figs. 1 and 6, the novel table top includes a front nosing or trim member I? which is substantially channel shaped in cross section, as shown in Figs. 3 and 6, having a normally horizontal inturned bottom leg or flange i8, and a groove 49 extending along its upper edge formed between a lower supporting flange 2G and an upper flange 2| partially overhanging the flange 29. The height of the groove i9 is such as to receive the front marginal edge portion of a plastic panel or sheet 22 with a tight or friction fit.

The back s lash trim member indicated generally at 23 includes a bottom inturned horizontal flange 24 connected to an upwardly and inwardly directed flange 25 which is connected at its upper end to the cove portion 26 merging with the upwardly extending flange 2? of the back splash. The u per end of the flange 2'! curves rearwardly and then merges with a downturned vertical flange 28, as best shown in Fig. 4. A groove 29 is formed at the base of the cove 26 by a horizontal supporting flange 30 and an upoer flange 3! partially overhanding the flange 30. The height of the groove 29 is such as to receive the rear marginal portion of the plastic covering 22 with a tight fit.

The plastic sheet 22 is preferably a relatively thick rigid sheet of plastic material, but may be made of sheet steel or other metal having cemented thereon a sheet of linoleum or other plastic materials having a smooth surface suitable as a table top. The plastic sheet is made with a width from front to back to fit into the grooves 69 and 29 of the trim pieces i? and 23 when they are positioned on top of a base cabinet of conventional size, as shown in Fig. 6. In order to meet space requirements in the field with respect to the length of the table top between its ends, the trim pieces 11 and 23 and the sheet 22 may be cut to length during the installation of the table top.

The end caps for the table top are indicated generally at 320: and 32?), being identical except that 32a is for the left end and 32b is for the right end. The end caps are generally channel shaped as best shown in Fig. 8, and each includes a vertical web 33 with a horizontal inturned bottom leg 34, and a horizontal inturned top leg 35. The front and rear ends of the end caps are made to conform to the cross sectional contours of the front and back splash trim members i! and 23 respectively, and each inturned upper leg 35 curves downwardly at the front end 36 and upwardly t the rear end 37 so as to conform to and overlap the adjoining ends of the front and rear trim members.

As shown in Figs. 1 and 6, the front curved portion 35 of flange 35 joins the bottom leg 34, and the rear curved portion 31 merges with a rear vertical flange 38 which extends downwardly and terminates at the rear edge of bottom leg 34. Thus, as shown in Fig. 6, when the caps 32a and 32?) are assembled on the ends of the trim members ii and 23, the curved portions 36 and 31 of the top flanges conform to and overlap the ends of the trim members, and the front and rear ends of bottom legs 34 underlie the bottom flanges l8 and 24 of the front and rear trim members respectively.

As shown in Figs. 1 and 6, the upper portion of each rear flange 38 may be provided with a hole 38 for attachment with trim flange 28 by means of a screw 39.

The side marginal portions of the plastic sheet 22 are supported upon the upper horizontal flanges 4B of angles indicated generally at ii and having vertical legs 42 attached as by spot welding to the webs 33 of the end caps. The flanges d8 are spaced below the upper flanges 35 so as to provide a groove for receiving the side marginal portions of the sheet with a tight fit, as shown in Fig. 8. The flanges 46 extend inwardly beyond the flanges 35 a substantial distance to provide firm supports for the side marginal portions of the plastic sheet. As best shown in Fig. 8, the bottom legs 3 of the end caps are provided at intervals with depending threaded studs 53 for projecting through holes in the flanges 13 of the base cabinet, and nuts M may be screwed on the studs for attaching the end caps tightly to the base cabinet.

In installing the novel table top on a base cabinet in the field, the front and back splash trim pieces and the plastic sheet are cut to proper length, and the grooves l9 and 29 of the trim pieces are forced over the front and back: edge portions of the plastic sheet. Next, the end caps are forced over the side marginal edges of the sheet with their curved end portions 36 and 3? overlapping the ends of the trim members and the grooves between the flanges 35 and fill fitting over the side marginal portions of the sheet. The assembled table top is then positioned on top of the base cabinet with the screw studs 43 dropping into holes provided the flanges ii) of the cabinet, and the nuts iiare, then applied from beneath, tightly clamping the table top to the top of the base cabinet.

If the span between the end caps is such that additional support is required for the central part of the plastic sheet, adequate support is provided by placing an intermediate member of wood or the like in the field. As shown in the drawings the sheet 22 is normally self-supporting within its marginal edges.

Referring to the embodiment of the invention shown in Figs. 2 and '7. the front nosing or trim member H is identical in construction with the front trim member ll of the embodiment shown in Fig. l, and includes a horizontal inturnecl bot tom leg 58 and a supporting flange 22 running along its upper edge and partially overhung by an upper flange 2! to form a groove for receiving the front marginal edge portion of a plastic sheet 220. I

r The plastic sheet 220 is curved upwardly along its rear portion to provide a cove portion 260 which merges with an upwardly extending back splash portion 210, so-that the table top, cove and back splash are all one continuous surface 7 formed by the plastic sheet. The upper rear edge of the sheet is received in a trim member iic which is substantially identical in construction to the front trim member ll, except that the flanges 20c and 220 forming the groove We are not quite parallel with the flange shown at I which is vertically disposed and is provided at its ends with holes 46 for receiving the screws 39c attaching the flanges I80 to the rear vertical flanges of the end caps.

One of the end caps for the embodiment shown in Fig. 2 is indicated generally at 320, the other end cap being identical except that it is the opposite hand. The end cap 320 is generally channel shaped in cross section and includes a vertical web 330 with a horizontal inturned bottom leg rear edge of: bottomleg' 3540. The'upperzipontion ofi'therear 'fiange'38ic isipro'vided with a;- hoieBBcf for receiving the. attachment; screw 39c when the end cap is assembled ever: the end .1 ortrimam cro:- berllc Between the'front end SSc and the back splash 7 portion 310 at the. rear end. of the end cap,.a. hori zontal supportangle indicated generally at :4 leis to be broadly construed. For example, the term plastic'lsheet. is. intended to include a sheet any material or combination of materials attached as"by-spot welding its vertical-les are-to the web 33m The npperfhorizontali leg Me of the angle is spaced: below the upper'flange 85c to provide a horizontal groove: receiving the. side marginal portion of' the: flat or table top. part of the plastic sheet 220. The leg 40c extends laterally inward a substantial. distance. beyond the leg 35c so as to 'provide a'fi rm support for the flat marginal side portion of the sheet.

In order to' provideiai support for -the:- cove 26c and back splash portion 210 of the plastic sheet, the upper. leg Me of the angle 410 is ex- -tended and curved rearwardly upward as shown at Bil-tofollowthecontour. aofthe wi e 26c; iBehind the back splash portion 210,, the curved portion 50 merges'with a straight portion 410' ing la vertical angle. leg 42c! attached as by spot supporting the back splashpo'rtion 27c and-'havwelding to the. web. portionof: the end cap. As shown, the top vflangeific curves. rearwardly up- I wardand overlaps the edge of the coveand back spiashfportions 26c and 2.10. angle Mc'including the curved upper leg and the end portion 410', may be formed by first notching out the vertical leg 420 where the curve 50 is to be formed and then bending the upper leg meat the notched portion to provide the curved portion 50 and the upwardly extending angle portion 4Ic, whereuponthe angle legs 42c and 420' are spot welded to the Web of the end cap. I

The novel table top construction shown in Figs. 2 and '7 is assembled and installed one. base cabinet M in the same manner as the embodiment of Fig. 1, and the cove and back splash portions 2% and 210 of the plastic sheet are firmly supported at their side marginal portions by the curved upper leg portionifl and the upwardly extending portion 4Ic" of the supporting angles Me. The bottom legs 340 of the end The supportin caps are provided with depending threaded studs 43 for attachment with theupper flanges 13 of the base cabinet, in the same manner as the embodiment of Fig. 1.

Both embodiments of the invention provide a novel knock-down table top and back splash which can easily be out to size and assembled in the field without sacrificing fit, appearance or strength, and which does not require as a part of the construction a metal member supporting the table top covering between the end caps.

In the foregoing description, certain terms have been used for brevity, clearness and understanding, but no unnecessary limitations are to 'be implied therefrom beyond the requirements of the prior art, because such words are used which can be formed or'shaped to a desired contour.

-Moreover, the embodiments of the improved constructionill-ustrated and described herein are by: way, of example, and the scope. of the present 7 invention. is: not limitedto. the exact details of constructionr Having now described the invention, the, con

"strnctiorr. the operation and use'of preferred embodiments-thereof, and the advantageous new useful results obtained. thereby; thenew and useful: constructions, and reasonable mechanical equivalents thereof obvious to those skilled in the art, are set forth in the appended claims.

1. Knock-down table top construction includlll gi a sheet of plastic material forming the top pork. surface, a front nosing trim member hav- .ing--;gro-over means slidabl'y receiving and supwork surfacega. front nosing trim member havmeans slidably receiving and supporting the front marginal edge; of said plastic sheet, a back splash. trim member. having means slidably receiving and supporting that marginal edge of said plastic sheet opposite the front edge thereof,

cap members having front and back portions conforming to and slidably fitting over said front and back trim members, the intermediate portions of said cap members havinglaterally projecting flanges supporting the side marginal edges of said plastic sheet, said sheet being selfsupporting within its marginal edges, and laterally projecting overlapping flanges on said intermediate portions. r

3. Knock-down table top construction including a sheet of plastic material forming the top work surface, a front nosing trim memberhaving means slidably receiving and supporting the front marginal edge of said plastic sheet, a back splash trim member having means slidably receiving and supporting that marginal edge of said plastic sheet opposite the front edge thereof, channel-shaped cap members having front and back portions conforming to and slidably fitting over said front and back trim members, the intermediate portions of said ca members having their upper channel legs fitting over the side .top worksurface, a front nosing trim member having groove means slidably receiving and supporting the front marginal edge of said plastic for descriptive purposes herein and are intended 745 sheet, a back splash trim member having a cove portion and groove means adjacent. said cove portion slidably receiving and supporting the rear marginal edge of said plastic sheet, cap members having front and back portions conforming to and slidably fitting over said front and back trim members, the intermediate portions of said cap members having groove means slidably receiving and supporting the side marginal edges of said plastic sheet, and means on said cap members for attachment to a basecabinet.

5. Knock-down table top construction including a sheet of plastic material having a flat work surface portion and an integral'rear back splash portion, a front nosing trim member having groove means slidably' receiving and supporting the front marginal edge of said plastic sheet, a rear trim member having groove means s'lidably receiving and supporting the marginal edge of the back splash portion of said plastic sheet, cap members having front and back portions conforming to and slidably fittingover said front and rear trim members, the intermediate portions ofsaid cap members having means slidably receiving and supporting the side marginal edges of said plastic sheet flat portion, and means on the cap back portions supporting the side marginal edges or" said plastic sheet back splash portion.

6. In knock-down table top construction including front and back splash trim members engaging a plastic top sheet and end caps, groove means on said trimmembers slidably receivingand entirely supporting the front and'rear marginal edges of said sheet, laterally projecting flanges on said end caps extending under and supporting the side marginal portions of said sheet, said sheet being self-supporting Within its marginal edges, laterally projecting flanges on'said end caps overlapping said side marginal portions of said sheet,

and means onsaid end caps for attachment to a base cabinet. r

7. In knock-down table top construction including front and back splash trim members engaging a plastic top sheet and end caps, the end caps being channel shaped with upper and lower inturned legs, groove means on said trim members slidably receivingand entirely supporting the front and rear marginal edges of said edges of said sheet, flanges on said end caps between their upper and lower legs supporting the side marginal portions of said plastic sheet, the upper channel legs overlapping said side marginal portions, and studs on the'lower channel legs for attachment to the top of a base cabinet.

-8.' In knock-down table top construction including front and back splash trim members engaging the front and rear edges of a plastic top sheet having a back splash. portion, end caps slidably'fitting over the ends of said trim members," flange means on the intermediateportions of said end caps supporting and overlapping the marginal side portions of the fiat part-of said top sheet,'fiange means on the back ends of said end caps supporting and overlapping the marginal side'pcrtions of the back splash part of said top sheet, and means on the intermediate portions of said end caps for attachment to a base cabinet.

JACQUES STAN'ITZ.

References Cited in the file of this patent UNITED STATES PATENTS 7 Number Name Date 2,038,638 Brey Apr. 28, 1936 2,158,467 Madsen May 16, 1939 2,253,772 Edgren Aug. 26; 1941 2,439,027 Stanitz Apr. 6, 1948 2,492,541 Stanitz Dec. 27, 1949 

